Night workers keeping an eye on portions
You want to take peanuts with you and know how much energy the amount you eat provides. Weighing a portion and using the information on the specific pack can help you estimate this.
Who might find these options useful?
Shoppers looking for unsalted snacks
You pay attention to added salt, ingredients and allergens. Check the pack of the variety you’re buying: the word ‘unsalted’ doesn’t tell you how much energy it contains.
Shoppers who prepare snacks in advance
You want to portion out some peanuts to take with you on your night shift. Also check how to store the opened pack and plan when you’ll eat your snacks.
What should you look for in peanuts for a night shift?
Start with the amount you want to take with you. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre gives an average of 157 kcal per 25 g handful of unsalted peanuts. Then compare the nutritional information and ingredients for the exact variety.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who might find this important? |
|---|---|---|
| Energy per portion | Compare kcal per 100 g and calculate the amount for the weight you’ll actually eat. | If you want to have a specific amount during your shift, the nutritional information on the pack can help you calculate the energy in that portion. Around 50% of consumers prioritise managing their calorie intake. |
| Salt and ingredients | Read the ingredients list and nutrition table; also check allergens and possible cross-contamination. | If you’re watching your salt intake or paying attention to flavour or specific ingredients, you’ll want to know exactly what’s in that variety. Around 30% of consumers give composition and ingredients top priority. |
| Preparing and storing | Check the pack weight, portion information and storage advice after opening. | If you want to portion out a snack in advance and take it with you, a measured amount and a resealable pack are practical. Around 20% of consumers prioritise preparation and storage. |
Common pitfalls
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Assuming unsalted means low in calories
‘Unsalted’ tells you about salt, not how much energy a product contains. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre gives an average of 157 kcal per 25 g handful of unsalted peanuts.
Weigh your snack and check energy and salt separately in the nutrition table.
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Assuming oven-baked automatically means a healthier choice
The cooking method alone doesn’t tell you how much energy, salt or sugar a variety contains. Duyvis lists 595 kcal and 2.1 g of salt per 100 g for Oven Baked Peanuts Original.
Compare the full nutrition table and ingredients list for the exact flavour.
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Treating the whole pack as one snack portion
For the 300 g pack of unsalted peanuts reviewed, Albert Heijn lists twelve 25 g portions.
Weigh out the amount you want to take with you beforehand and put it in a separate container.
Peanut brands to consider
Duyvis
Duyvis offers several varieties of peanuts, including unsalted, Oven Baked Original and a sweet Oven Baked Honey variety.
- For its specific unsalted variety, Duyvis lists 614 kcal per 100 g. For Oven Baked Original, the manufacturer lists 595 kcal and 2.1 g of salt per 100 g.
- Duyvis describes Oven Baked Original as made without added oil or fat. This doesn’t mean the product is low in calories or unsalted. Values vary by variety.
Albert Heijn
AH Unsalted Peanuts, 300 g, is a listed product that includes portion information.
- Albert Heijn lists 620 kcal per 100 g and a 25 g portion for this variety.
- The product information warns that other nuts may be present as allergens. Always check the pack of the product you’re buying.
Jumbo
Jumbo Unsalted Peanuts, 250 g, is a supermarket own-brand option if you’re looking for unsalted peanuts.
- The product information lists 99.5% peanuts and sunflower oil.
- This composition applies to this variety and doesn’t tell you about other flavours or products from Jumbo.
Lidl
Lidl lists a 285 g product of unsalted peanuts.
- The product listing describes this variety as unsalted.
- The listing is for in-store sales; check the nutritional information and current availability when you shop.
ALDI
ALDI lists Trader Joe’s peanuts, 250 g, as roasted and unsalted.
- The product listing gives the product name and pack size, and describes the peanuts as roasted and unsalted.
- These details don’t tell you the energy value; check the nutrition table on the pack.
PLUS
PLUS Unsalted Peanuts, 250 g, is an own-brand product with published ingredient and nutrition information.
- The product page lists 99% peanuts, sunflower oil and 625 kcal per 100 g.
- Possible traces of cashew nuts are noted. The product information applies to this specific variety.
Peanuts on Joybuy
This Joybuy selection includes unsalted peanuts, peanuts in their shells, and roasted or flavoured varieties. Compare the nutritional information per 100 g on the exact pack and calculate the amount for your weighed portion. Different flavours and ingredients aren’t automatically interchangeable.
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g'woon unsalted peanuts – 250 g
An unsalted variety that you can weigh out for your night shift.
The product description lists 99% peanuts and sunflower oil; it may contain cashew nuts.
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Lao Jie Kou Yashi Xiang tea-flavoured roasted peanuts – 500 g
This flavoured variety is an option if you’re looking for roasted peanuts with a tea flavour.
The product description lists peanuts, salt, tea, flavouring and sweetener. Check the nutrition information on the pack if you want to calculate the energy in your portion.
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g'woon peanuts in their shells – 500 g
An option if you want to take peanuts in their shells with you and decide how much to have.
The product description lists peanuts as the ingredient. Check the nutrition table and storage advice on the pack.
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Dahaoda walnut-flavoured peanuts – 258 g
This flavoured variety may suit you if you’re specifically looking for walnut-flavoured peanuts.
The nutrition table lists 2420 kJ per 100 g. The ingredients list includes sugar, salt, soya lecithin and walnut flavouring.
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Verse extra-large roasted peanuts – 210 g
The description says the peanuts are unsalted. Weigh out a portion if you want to limit how much you eat.
The product information lists 100% peanuts and 626 kcal per 100 g. This energy value is above the threshold for a ‘low energy’ claim.
Frequently asked questions
How do you calculate the calories in a weighed portion of peanuts?
Use the energy value per 100 g on the pack and calculate it for the weight of your portion. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre gives an average of 157 kcal for a 25 g handful of unsalted peanuts; the value for a specific product may differ.
When can a peanut product be called ‘low energy’?
For solid foods, the European Commission sets a maximum of 40 kcal (170 kJ) per 100 g for a ‘low energy’ claim. A small portion doesn’t change this threshold; check the value per 100 g for the exact variety.
Does ‘oven-baked’ mean peanuts contain fewer calories?
Not by itself: the cooking method doesn’t prove that the energy value is lower. Duyvis lists 595 kcal and 2.1 g of salt per 100 g for Oven Baked Peanuts Original; compare the full nutritional information for the variety you’re considering.
What should you look for when buying peanuts for someone with a food allergy?
Read the ingredients list and allergen warnings on the specific pack. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains that relevant allergens must be clearly distinguishable in the ingredients list. Also check warnings about the possible presence of other allergens.
How can you avoid eating from the whole bag during a night shift?
Weigh out the amount you want to take with you beforehand and put it in a separate container. Store the rest according to the instructions on the pack. For the unsalted variety reviewed, Albert Heijn advises storing it in a cool, dark and dry place and sealing the pack tightly after use.